Discern (21 page)

“I can see how that would be upsetting.”

“You don’t hurt children do you?” I asked nervously.

“No. Never.”

“That’s good.”

“What time do you have to be there?” he asked, steering the conversation elsewhere.

“Eight o’clock in the morning,” I yawned.

“I should take you home.”

“Will I see you tomorrow?”

“If you want to,” he smiled. “What would be a good time?”

“I think I promised my help until four.”

We slowly made our way downstairs. My dress was dragging a little as I towed it behind me, but I was too tired to care. My only concern was when we would see one another again.

“We can see each other afterward,” he suggested casually.

“I’d like that.”

“There’s no obligation to do so.”

“I know, but I want to see you again,” I said softly.

“Good,” he smiled.

The drive home was quiet, except for my foot lightly tapping on the floorboard as the ride was slightly uncomfortable. The silence bothered me.

“What’s wrong?”

He casually looked over in my direction. “Nothing, sorry, just contemplating a few options.”

My house emerged from behind the tree line. We slowly crept up the drive, and I unbuckled my seatbelt.

“Will I still see you tomorrow?”

“Of course, why not?”

“You said that you were contemplating your options and…” I stopped.

“And what?”

“And I was wondering if that meant us,” I sighed.

“Not exactly” he half-smiled. “I’ll see you tomorrow at four,” he said, lightly touching my hand. I closed my eyes enjoying the warmth and tingling sensation that flowed throughout my body.

My eyes slowly opened. Green sparkling emeralds gazed back at me. “Until then,” I smiled, resisting the sudden urge to reach over and run my finger along his cheek. I so desperately wanted more time with him, but he was right, I needed my rest.

Turning the key, I unlocked the door and slid inside the house. Resting my back up against the door, I contemplated the events of this evening. Andrew wasn’t human, not even close, but I couldn’t deny the curiosity I felt—or the urge to be near him—no matter what the cost might be. I was drawn to him.

I inhaled the sweet smell of his scent on his clothes that I still wore. I closed my eyes. Four o’clock tomorrow seemed like an eternity.

10

Dilemma

The next morning I awoke to a bright, sunny sky, wondering if yesterday had been real. My sleep had been anything but peaceful with several nightmares about demons sucking the souls out of humans. Normally, after I wake from these nightmares, I quickly realize it was just a bad dream and can shake the images. But today I could not, because they were real. Those creatures did exist, and I was falling for one of them.

The sound of my phone buzzing startled me. I looked over to grab it and noticed the time.

“Oh crap!” I shouted. It was almost seven-thirty. I jumped out of my warm, cozy bed and in to the shower.

After pulling my hair up and brushing my teeth, I threw on a sweatshirt and a pair of jeans. I rushed out the door and down the stairs.

My phone began buzzing again before I reached the car.

“Hi, Ryan,” I answered.

“You awake, princess?” he joked.

“Yes. I’m getting into my car as we speak and heading that way,” I yawned.

“Where did you run off to last night?”

“I needed some time alone. I saw Keith Hamilton there and had to leave before he called Braden and ratted me out,” I laughed nervously. I hated lying, but I knew Ryan despised Andrew. And Andrew was no longer just this plain, hot professor anymore. He was anything but plain.

“You could’ve at least text to let me know. I was a little worried until I realized Keith was there. I imagined you hunched over sneaking out,” he laughed.

“That was practically how it happened.” It really was, but I was leaving out one large factor in my story—Andrew.

“I have to finish setting up. I’ll see you when you get here,” he said cheerfully.

”See in you in a few,” I said, ending our call.

The rest of the drive was filled with thoughts of Andrew. How did these creatures even exist? This was what you read about in books, not experienced in everyday life. Nothing seemed real anymore.

I slowly pulled up to the shelter. A single line had already formed outside. I was amazed at all the people that showed up. I wasn’t exactly sure how this worked, but I was glad I could help. I knocked on the glass, and Ryan opened the door.

“Wow!” I exclaimed.

“I know, it looks like a great turn out.”

“It looks like there are a lot of good-hearted people here in
Boulder
,” I smiled.

“Let me show you around the place before we let in the crowd,” he offered.

We walked into a large room that resembled a school gymnasium that housed hundreds of green metal cots. Each cot had a blanket neatly folded on top; some had children’s blankets. I could feel the tears began to well. No one should have to live like this. I searched the room to find something to distract my thoughts, so I would not start sobbing. “You guys did a wonderful job,” I said, admiring all the cheerful colors on the walls.

“Thanks, I painted it all myself,” he smiled proudly.

“My mother would’ve loved it,” I smiled. “Where is everyone?”

“They’re eating breakfast in the cafeteria.”

A bright blue blanket decorated with cartoon-like fire engines and police cars was lying on one of the cots. This situation was especially unfair for the innocent children. I inhaled deeply. I had to control my anger, no good could come from it, and Andrew might appear as he said he could feel my emotions—this would certainly cause trouble.

We continued to walk the halls. I met the on call nurse and a few of the ladies that worked in the administrative office. “Your mom’s amazing,” I smiled.

“I know.”

“What can I donate?” I asked, hoping there was something more I could do.

“Your time is donation enough.”

“There has to be something else.”

“You already did. The clothing is enough,” he assured.

“It doesn’t feel like it.”

“Write a check.”

“I don’t personally have that kind of money, but maybe my father can help,” I suggested, unsure if my father would donate again after my mother’s death.

“He hasn’t in a long time.”

“I’ll ask him.” I wasn’t sure if I could talk my father into much, but the least I could do was try.
      

“It’d be much appreciated.”

Ryan led me back out into the lobby, and we took ours seats. “Just greet people, estimate the worth of their donations, and write out one of these receipts,” he instructed, handing me one of the pads. “It’s fairly simple.”

“Good, I can’t handle anything complicated this early.”

People came and went all morning. By noon, the line had subsided, which now left time to think. A week or two ago, I would have never dreamt up such a fantastic story. My heart and head were pulling me in two different directions. My head warned of the danger of being near such a powerful, deadly creature, but my heart longed to be near him no matter the sacrifice—even if it meant my soul. It was difficult to discern which one would prevail, but my heart was winning this tug of war…for now.

“My mother said you could go, if you want?” Ryan’s voice interrupted my thoughts.

“Really?” I was shocked.

“Yep, I think the rush is over.”

“I don’t really have anywhere to go until four, so I can stay and keep you company,” I offered, fearing the time alone might give my head a chance to rationalize the situation and win the match.

Ryan’s smile indicated he was pleased with my choice “Cool,” he replied slyly.

“When’s lunch?”

“There are sandwiches in the cafeteria.”

“Okay,” I smiled.

“I can get you a plate,” he offered.

A smile stretched across my face. “Thanks.”

Ryan immediately stood up and walked toward the cafeteria. I heard footsteps approaching the table—I looked up.

“Andrew,” I smiled nervously.

“I was in the neighborhood and wanted to stop by.” His voice was captivating.

“You arrived at a good time. This morning was crazy.”

“I have good timing I guess,” he smiled. “Are you still leaving at four?”

“Actually, just a few minutes ago, Ryan’s mother gave me the option of leaving.”

“We could find something to do, I’m sure, if you want to leave now,” he offered, gauging my reaction.

“Sure, let me tell Ryan,” I stood up and turned right into Ryan.

“Tell me what?” Ryan’s voice made me jump.

“Tell you that I was going to go ahead and take your mom up on her offer to leave early,” I said nervously.

Ryan glared in Andrew’s direction. “Leave with him?” he questioned sharply.

Their eyes locked, paying no attention to me. “Yes, Ryan, I’m leaving with Andrew.”

“Haley, you’re making a big mistake,” Ryan warned.

“Ryan, it’s fine. We’re just friends,” I insisted calmly, trying to ease the tension.

“Haley, I don’t trust him.” Ryan continued to glare at Andrew. “He’s just another creepy professor that will use you this semester, then dump you when he’s done.”

“Ryan, back off,” I warned, fearing another incident similar to the diner would occur.

Andrew stepped toward Ryan. His emerald green eyes were red again, filled with rage. “It’s not like that at all. You should mind your own business.”

I grabbed Andrew’s hand forgetting the possibility of getting burned. Andrew instinctively looked down at me. His red eyes quickly faded back to green. He looked concerned.

“Haley is my business,” Ryan challenged. “You should be the one minding yours. Isn’t it against school policy to date your students?”

I had no choice but to intervene. “I’ll drop his classes if it comes to that,” I warned.

“No, you wouldn’t have to do that. I’d just stop teaching for the semester,” Andrew clarified.

“Oh that’s smart, Haley, drop everything for another stupid guy that’ll eventually break your heart,” Ryan scoffed.

Mrs. Scott rushed over. “Ryan, where are your manners?” she asked embarrassed. “You’re making a scene.”

“Haley and I will be going now.” Andrew glared in Ryan’s direction. “I’ll be waiting outside.”

“How could you, Haley?” Ryan snapped, as he angrily shook his head back and forth.

“Ryan, it isn’t like that. We’re just friends. Just like you and I are. Just friends,” I repeated. I could see the hurt in his face.

Ryan rolled his eyes “Go off and ruin your life again, but don’t expect me to sit here waiting.”

“I’ll call you later, when you’ve calmed down.” I shouldn’t be upset with Ryan. He was just trying to protect me. I gave him one last look. “Please don’t be mad,” I mouthed. He shook his head and refused to respond.

Andrew was standing right outside the door.

“Sorry about that.”

“Don’t apologize. He can’t help his feelings for you,” he smiled, lightly touching my hand. His touch reassured any doubts I might have had this morning. My heart was definitely winning.

“I wish he didn’t.”

“He’ll get over it. I promise.”

“I hope,” I said, no longer wishing to discuss Ryan any further. I wanted to enjoy whatever time we were able to spend with one another.

I slid into Andrew’s car. He placed his hand in mine. “Are you okay?”

“Yes…why?” I asked.

“When you grabbed my hand, while Ryan and I were arguing, you had a frightened look on your face.”

“Oh, it was nothing,” I lied.

“Are you sure?”

I hesitated for a moment. “Your eyes changed color, the same shade of crimson red as the night at the diner.”

“I’m not positive about how or why you can see those differences.” He shook his head.

“Is the change real?”

“Yes, my eyes do change color. They reflect my mood.”

“Oh,” I said, relieved. “So the amber color I see is real?”

“Yes, very much so,” he smiled.

Before I could contemplate any further on his eye color, I noticed Braden’s father, Mr. Mitchell, in the same black truck rolling into the parking lot. “Oh, thank goodness, we’re leaving!”

“Why…what’s wrong?”

“My ex’s father just passed us.”

“I guess I really do have good timing,” he laughed, glancing in to his rearview mirror.

“Yes, you do.”

We hit the main road. “Where would you like to go?”